An Associate Professor of Political Science at the University for Development Studies (UDS), Prof. Jasper Abembia Ayelazuno, has urged aspirants seeking to succeed National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia to study his leadership approach, particularly the strategies that helped rebuild the party and secure its victory in the 2024 general elections.
He says Mr Asiedu Nketia’s contribution to strengthening the NDC’s organisational structures, political branding and voter mobilisation offers important lessons for the party as it prepares for another leadership transition.
Speaking on Radio Gold, Prof. Ayelazuno recalled that the NDC faced a difficult political period after losing the 2016 and 2020 general elections under former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration.
He explained that despite perceptions that the party was becoming increasingly weakened, its leadership successfully reorganised its structures and developed an effective political machinery capable of mobilising voters.
According to him, the NDC’s rebranding and renewed appeal, particularly among politically conscious middle-class voters, contributed to its emphatic victory in the 2024 elections.
Prof. Ayelazuno attributed a significant part of that organisational recovery to the leadership of Mr Asiedu Nketia, stressing that those seeking the chairmanship must understand how the party was rebuilt under difficult political circumstances.
He identified effective party organisation, strategic communication, grassroots mobilisation and the ability to attract voters beyond the party’s traditional support base as essential qualities for the next national chairman.
The political scientist also raised concerns about the challenges the NDC could face if the party undergoes a change in national leadership while simultaneously preparing to select a new presidential candidate for the 2028 general elections.
He explained that the two processes could generate internal competition and tensions, making party unity and organisational stability particularly important.
Prof. Ayelazuno suggested that retaining Mr Asiedu Nketia as national chairman could have provided continuity during the transition, although he acknowledged that the chairman’s future political plans remain uncertain.
He consequently urged the party to approach its leadership elections carefully to avoid weakening the political structures and unity that contributed to its return to power.
According to him, the responsibility ultimately rests with NDC delegates to elect leaders capable of sustaining the party’s organisational strength, managing internal competition and positioning it to remain competitive in the 2028 elections.
